Personal Reflections on Finding Faith
Growing up in the tumultuous era of the 1960s and '70s, my childhood was far from conventional. What society now labels as a "dysfunctional" upbringing was simply our way of life back then. Unaware that our experiences would be categorized under a specific term, it was during this period that Jesus entered my life and made a significant impact.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in discovering the overwhelming love of Jesus, a love that is beyond words.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a split second, my entire life was completely disrupted. This very love has supported and carried me through all the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and the positive experiences as well, for more than five decades. I can attest that the course of my life was permanently altered when I first experienced the love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my presence and my actions is because of this. It is the motivation behind my work as a Christian songwriter and my desire to assist you in creating songs that can convey this incredible truth. It is the fundamental belief that drives Nashville Christian Songwriters, and all of our podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs are dedicated to spreading the love of Jesus to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith? It could be that you experienced the love of God during your childhood while attending church, or perhaps you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It is also possible that you have endured a significant loss that left you broken. Many Christian songwriters who have faced immense pain, abuse, or divorce have approached us to learn how to express their suffering and how God has provided them with strength. James Finley asserts that God does not shield us from hardships, but rather supports us miraculously through them.
However, the question remains: how can we effectively convey our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories through Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? I have three suggestions that may assist you in contemplating the best ways to encapsulate your personal experiences in a manner that resonates with listeners and offers them solace, restoration, and optimism.
Initially, attempt to identify a shared element or theme within your story that a large number of individuals can relate to.
We all understand the feeling of being alone or confused at times. Connecting with people through your story is the most effective way to engage them in your music. It's important for listeners to find aspects of their own lives in your song, allowing them to relate and connect. By leaving room for personal interpretation, we can create a bond between our stories and captivate the audience.
If your story doesn't capture our attention and resonate with something we have personally gone through, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student of NCS and a close friend of ours, went through the heartbreaking experience of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. She has dedicated her songs and ministry to helping families who are grieving, but she has also incorporated universal themes in her music that can connect with anyone who has experienced any form of loss. This allows all of us to find something relatable and continue to engage with her songs.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I remember Dave Clark, a highly productive songwriter and publisher from Lillenas Music, mentioning this idea, and it has stuck with me ever since. It may seem contradictory at first, but it's not. The initial point is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point is to refrain from including unnecessary details in your song that might confuse or distract your listeners. If you delve too deeply into specifics like locations, dates, names, or other particulars, there's a chance of losing the audience's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can connect with, it allows me to be a part of your narrative. If your specifics do not align with mine, it may deter me. Although it may seem challenging, it is achievable. You can learn to find the right amount of details that focus on your emotions during the challenging period and then shift towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a type of song that showcases the victories and successes that God has brought about in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique details in your own story that we may not be able to relate to. To help with this, you can look for examples of songs that capture the emotion you want to convey and observe how the writers engage listeners without simply listing specific details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you're still emotionally affected by a traumatic experience, it can be difficult to authentically express it through a song. Sharing your pain through lyrics may be seen as self-centered, unless you're composing a sorrowful country song. If that's your intention, go ahead and pursue it, but understand that it won't be considered a genuine testimony, but rather a melancholic country ballad.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own challenges and problems to handle. If you simply unload your own issues onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – they serve as outlets for your personal struggles and hurts. It's important to think about how your lyrics will impact your listeners. What kind of emotional state are you inviting them into? How will they feel once they've heard your song?
In my opinion, Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have done an excellent job with their uplifting worship song "My Testimony" by conveying a broad message rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song about your personal childhood experiences, it might be beneficial to focus on positive Scriptural themes that showcase God's healing power over negative circumstances. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore alternative methods before delving into your personal pain.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that highlights how God has prevailed in your life. It is important and necessary for your emotional well-being to have a cathartic release. It might be beneficial for you to write these songs for your own personal growth, but it is crucial to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Catharsis is a way of releasing emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the hardships you have encountered, and His ultimate victory in your spirit regardless of the path you take.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and is conducted online, we delve into the art of writing testimony songs and much more. While many individuals seek out free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and feel a deep desire to establish your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a free and non-binding phone call. During this call, we can determine if our program is the right fit for you. You can schedule your free call by clicking here.
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